But not even I could predict how bloody tight it would be. Such joy and heartbreak as the final two bands join the semi finals (we’ll get the updated list out when we know which rounds they each drop into)

First up, Altostratus, they’re like an instrumental Coheed and Cambria – there is a niche here, because instrumental stuff can go two ways – some get really desperate for vocals to kick in. I’m reminded of the old Karma to Burn story, you know, “We’ll give you a record deal – but we want you to have proper song titles and a singer” – well, Roadrunner dropped them and they reissued the album without vocals or song titles and they’re doing well for themselves. Anyway… yes.. Altostratus, they’re bloody good like, they captivate the audience with their riffs and it’s quite marmite but certainly many people would like to see more from them.read more

I’m a bit later than usual with my M2TM heat round up (Heat 5 this time).

Believe it or not, in the crazy world I live in, after the gig I got on an over night bus to London to film a pop music video cover of an RnB classic. No, really.

Where was I? Heat 5, yesss…

Opening tonight is Coma Violet. It’s only their second gig. They’re a kind of Fuzz-Pop. Although it’s their second gig, plenty of familiar faces from other bands, the guys have experience and they make it pay off. Plenty of catchy powerful songs. They bounce their way into the semis.read more

Last time out, Vigil and Creature joined the ever-swelling semi finals – and it’s looking to be some serious tight competition alredy and there’s still plenty of bands to look forward to over the next two heats. Round 5 is this Thursday at Trillians, with 4 competing bands. Remember, entry to this and every heat is FREE entry. Kicking off from 7pm

There is scope for a 5th band, but at time of writing only 4 are confirmed.

Nice. So, who have we got for you this time – in no particular order (as running order decided on the night) we will be welcoming…read more

Creature have helped shake the curse of the opening slot by being the second band to go through despite drawing the early lot. 90s grunge throw back, they like their Nirvana like – but there’s enough enjoyment about them that helps tip them through. Sweet. Just like Honey.

Potentially the band with the furthest to travel – Vigil – they are a powerhouse of modern melodic metal. I thought they were going to lose it when announcing “the next one is a Drowning Pool cover” – but opting for a triumphant ‘Sinner’ (that much forgotten second single!) stunning. The bar is raised and set. They’re like making love on the edge of a knife. Hope they’ve plenty of petrol money handy… they’re throughread more

This wasn’t deliberate at all – but – certainly, the type of thing I was hoping for when I started running this competition in Newcastle, so a chance to see bands you’d not normally get to see or get to see together.

In the 2016 competition, no band who took the opening slot progressed. It is a very difficult slot because among anything else you can’t see what you’ve got to “beat”. But, The Unholy Concoction buck that trend and taken on a riff driven booze metal approach to take them to the semis. It does take a little while for them to warm, but a lot of people have made the effort to check out the early bands and they leave impressed. It’s actually the crowd response that tips them through. As every judge has a different second choice band tonight!read more